Back in the golden age of flying, a delectable three-course meal served on fancy glassware was to be expected.

But as the airline industry grew and gave way to the economy class, providing high-quality in-flight dining became unsustainable.

Complimentary meals in the US -- even the drab old "chicken or beef" we once laughed at -- have disappeared altogether from most economy class cabins on domestic flights.

On international flights where the hours are longer than our stomachs can go without food, plane food is served whether we like it or not.